I can’t believe it, here we are, at the end of August already and all I can say is, tick-tock, how did we get here so soon, and OH GOODIE!
MUSICA! 
I have been suffering from this hot and sticky August that seemingly will not end . . . I’m ready to move on! Love the quote, “There are only two seasons, Autumn, and waiting for Autumn!” Fits me to a T, especially right this moment. And then, a couple of days ago, at the top of my suffering, I accidentally did a happy thing . . . 
I opened up my Autumn Book, just to take a look. As I turned the pages a thrill went through my heart, and I realized, it’s almost here! My favorite time of year!
So I went and got some sunflowers . . . and cut marigolds from the garden for little vases . . . because
It perked me right up! Changed everything! Sweaters are coming! Leaves! Crisp air! Corn Pudding! Makes me almost want to go on a diet. That’s how perky I feel! (“Almost” being the operative word, I am not done with toast and peanut butter yet!)
I know, not everyone looks forward to cold weather, but I love having a reason to heat up the oven and bake something! And in my 
glee, I planned the rest of the year: first a long breezy, colorful autumn (and can we 
have a normal Halloween? Why not? Everyone wears masks anyway!👺 That will cheer everyone up! The kids will be thrilled!), leaves blowing through the woods on our walk, crisp salt air off the water, quilts airing in the breeze, more cozy covers on the bed, church bells ringing and boat whistles blowing, and then a short, cozy, snow-white winter around the fireplace, with a new Christmas book and a new puzzle to do during the winter, which will be SO short I’ll have to hurry! And then, an early burst of the most flowery spring ever ~ in a brand new world filled with fresh beginnings! Covid gone, children going to school, everyone back to work, Easter egg hunts! Kitchen table Tea with girlfriends, with new remembrance, respect, and deep gratitude …
While all these nice thoughts were brewing in my head … My cups arrived on the kitchen porch!!! I’ve been waiting! I hope you got yours too … if not, you should soon. We had a little slow-down at the PO, so if you ordered one, and don’t have it yet, it’s definitely on the way!❤️
And then there’s this happy thing. Joe is outside building us a 12′ picnic table, in two pieces, one 8′ and one 4′ … so we can have a party of six for dinner, a couple at each end, and one in the middle for starry September evenings! Just planned our first one for this Friday Night!👏 I’m cooking! Joe’s grilling! Keeping our sunny-sides up.💖
Now what’s this you may be asking. It’s a surprise! Another unexpected book! It will be called Distilled Genius, Wisdom of the World, Words to Live By, (or something like that) and contain my forty-year collection of brilliant quotes from the ages, gathered into categories as I have them here in my Studio, such as Courage, Tea, Gratitude, Gardens, Happiness, all onto pages like these . . .
. . . whole genius sections about Love, Dreams, Time, Girlfriends, Cooking, Creativity, Earth, Fairy Tales, Beauty . . . so on and so on… Look how cute it’s going to be! I have about 40 pages done so far. I’ve been asked to do this for years, and I do think it needs to be here for the future! Everything that has ever mattered has been beautifully said by someone whose attestment has teeth,
from Marcus Aurelius, to Mark Twain, Black Elk, Rumi, Langston Hughes, C.S. Eliot, Churchill, and the Bible, to Louisa May Alcott, Toni Morrison, Shakespeare, Dickens, Anne Frank, Lincoln, and so many more … plus, plenty from that prolific genius, Anon… and lots from people with less familiar names, whose smart, funny, wise, and touching words inspire curiosity, and open whole new worlds that lie beyond them. I’ve always read quote books like novels! I hope this book will be finished for that wonderful spring I’ve been thinking about. More hope in a time of need. May have to be two books, might even be three, still waiting to see! I know, I have next year’s calendars to do, and my wonderful book, Enchanted to work on, and lots of blog posts and Zoom events and dinners to cook, and Joe and Jack, and the House of Creativity, and all those other ideas, but here I am, Girls, 73, and there is still so very much I want to do!
Some of you will remember that I did my very first Zoom Webinar last week. First I had to learn how to do a Power Point slide show. That about killed me. But at the last moment, it sunk in, and I found out just how easy it is to do. All about pushing the right buttons. Then I had to write about the photos, ⬆️ that’s me reading over old diaries to make sure I had the details right ~ it was a Calgon Zoom Party, took us far, far away, back to the English Countryside!
And THEN, there was a week of daily Zoom practice with the encouragement of Andrea, the wonderful person who had extended the invitation for me to speak. We got to know each other pretty well! She was very patient!
We ended up doing the same program two days in a row, because the Zoom Room had gotten so full. I knew lots of you were there, because I got pictures! This one above is from our Girlfriend Mary Brehm! She has sweet peas!
This one came from Karen England and her Kitty . . . so fun to be in everyone’s houses!
This one is from Trahlyta! I got so many wonderful photos from you guys! Thank you! The program lasted about an hour and 15 minutes. I know some of you wanted to join in, but could not ~ so, as promised, here’s a link so you can see it yourself on Youtube. In the beginning, it’s just me staring at the screen, watching the names of attendees scrolling by really fast … such a fun thing to see, so many I recognized. I wish that part showed so you could read them too … but instead you just have to watch me staring at them and saying them out loud. Might want to skip that part!
IN THE MEANTIME. Guess what? There are going to be more Zoom parties. In the column on the right of this Blog
you’ll see EVENTS. Here is the Link for it, but you can get there yourself when you need to check back for new event dates. I’m about to add more, so watch for them so you can register and receive an invitation to join.
The next one will be a Sunday Afternoon Christmas Tea Party 
presented by the wonderful people at Titcombs Bookshop, just over the water on the Cape, from 3:30 to 4:30 pm EST on September 20 ~ BYO Tea because you’re all invited to my first virtual book event for my new Home for Christmas book! Here’s where you can sign up! If you don’t know how to do Zoom, you can Google “Youtube how to use Zoom” and they will show you. It’s just a matter of which buttons to push ~ it’s easy. When you sign up, they will send you an invitation to our zoom party … which will have a link for you to click on the day of the event. Put it on your calendar!
One flower stands out on Martha’s Vineyard, it’s the hydrangea… they are everywhere! Drive up and down the streets and that’s what you see. We moved these from another part of the garden last year, and I’m so glad we did. Aren’t they romantic? They’re just starting to turn pale pink, something they do in the fall . . . and now we can see them from the kitchen windows from this dear old house I have loved for so long.💞
We’re still going on our walk everyday … joy of life.
It’s been very warm . . . sometimes we have to cut our way through the air, it’s so thick . . . but it’s nothing like what our California Girlfriends are suffering. We pray for them every day. You too, Girlfriends in Iowa, we know about that crazy storm that shot through your state. And now, 11′ storm surges in Louisiana.😢 🙏 2020 is some kind of year!⚡️ We were spared the other night, we were told to hunker down and expect one-inch hail ~ it got very dark out there, but it never came! Thank God. Deep breath, ahhhhhh. Remembering how much we have to be grateful for.
The woods are still green as Sherwood Forest, but every so often there are tell-tale signs that change is on the way with bright spots like this one!
And now, look, I had to show you this sweet letter I got from someone writing about our DamPanic, Go. Be. Love. postcards! Made my day!
Dear Susan, Several weeks ago I purchased a package of your “Go. Be. Love” postcards and sent them to a number of friends. Oh, my gosh! I send lots of cards and notes and have never received so many oohs and ahhs over a card I sent. My dear friends loved the postcard and just showered me with compliments and thanks. You deserve all of the credit. You created the perfect greeting to send during this pandemic and I am so grateful to be a longtime fan and follower and saw them in your online shop. Stay safe and well. Sincerely, Marge
Just in cases YOU might need to be “showered with compliments and thanks” I thought I would share this!
And the New Pumpkin Go. Be. Love. postcards came in too …
I had this pumpkin postcard printed in honor of what our Great Grandmothers did for us only a hundred years ago this August 18th!💖 Joe carved that Halloween pumpkin a few years back for our front window ~ I thought it would be a good way to celebrate those brave and determined women, mothers, sisters, grandmothers, and best friends (and men too), who put themselves out there in a very big way for US! We should never take it for granted … they went through some very difficult and dangerous years, to make it happen!👏
Yes, Jack . . .
And one more thing . . .
In case YOU too need something sweet and homey to inspire you with my wind-in-the-trees formula for cozy, Kellee just put my Autumn book up at 25% off until midnight on Labor Day! You probably already have it, but maybe not, and maybe you need a gift for a friend!🍂
And for you?
Time for a good Giveaway, don’t you agree? I think this is the perfect place to thank all of you for sticking with us through thick and 
thin and dampanic too, for me and for Kellee and Sheri, your kindness has meant the world to us over the years, going to work is a gift because of you, but especially these last months, you have no idea what a positive force you are. All you have to do is read the comments to know what lovely kindred spirits visit here. No matter where in the world you are, we have so much in common, I’m very proud of us.💖 Thank you.
So we’ll start here . . . 3 cups, 3 winners! As you know, these cups are mostly sold out now, but we saved these to surprise someone(s) ~ I hope one of them is YOU! Just leave a comment right at the bottom of this post, click on the teeny grey letters that say “comments,” leave a few words, and you will be automatically entered for the drawing . . . I’ll let you know who won in the next post, then I’ll send an email to the winners, who can write back with their mailing address, and voila, your cups will be on the way, either for you to keep, or perhaps to give away as a Christmas gift! And more . . .
Shipping from the printer is still on schedule for August 26th, which means we will probably have to wait until the day after Labor Day, September 8 to get HOME FOR CHRISTMAS delivered to the Studio! So, 3 more winners in this next drawing ~ and for each, a signed copy of my new book, hot off the press! If you’ve already ordered it, then Boom! You’ll have another one to giveaway! A little bit of “pay it forward.”💞
Leave a comment as suggested above … and now we will have six winners! Makes my day!
Okay dear ones, that’s all she wrote for today! I hope you’re giving yourself those hugs I talked about at the Zoom Party. They do help, and you do deserve them.❤️ Petty-pet hugs are good too! XOXOXO
Happiness is a Susan Branch Blog ! I also love ‘Limelight’ hydrangeas and just picked a bouquet for my bedroom this morning. Looking forward to your book of quotes and hope to order it thru my favourite book store here in Canada..say ‘hi’ to Jack for me…he’s just too cute !
Hey Susan – missed the Zoom party, but hope to catch the next one. Work got busy and it slipped my mind. I, like you, am desperate for fall. Some of my friends and I think we should start putting up our fall decor to “encourage” it to come. Can’t hurt. 🙂 Anyway, I would love to be the winner of one of your new Christmas books. I can’t wait to see what you have come up with.
I just received your 2021 calendar ! It’s beautiful . Thank you.
Autumn is my favorite time of the year, too, Susan! Looking forward to all 3+ of your new books! Thank you for sharing your positive outlook with us!
Hello Susan! I always enjoy your blogs so much and this one was extra special! I loved being able to watch you on Zoom…discussing your trip! I can’t tell you how many times I have read A Fine Romance and hopefully one of these days or years we can go ourselves on that very special trip!! Thanks for showing us the way!! Looking forward to the book of quotes!! So ready for my favorite season too…FALL!!!
Thank you SO MUCH for posting the link for the zoom meeting. I missed it! How can I possibly be so busy during this time at home (mostly), but the date slipped right past me. I’ll be sure to settle back and watch–and I wait for the next one with anticipation.
I’m thrilled to hear of your upcoming quote book! Will keep me reading until Enchanted is ready! I love fall too and love winter! I’m done with heat and humidity!
Your blog today was so welcomed, a diversion from continued “sheltering in place” due to my health conditions and COVID. Thanks for all you do to uplift our spirits. Please enter my name for the drawing for the cups and books. Blessings.
Dear Susan,
I was so happy to receive your blog today as it reminded me that your book “Home For Christmas” was soon to come. Yeah!!! Next time I will definitely join the Zoom program for the Afternoon Christmas Tea Party. Will sign up right after I finish this. We are still having very muggy days here but can feel the autumn air coming. Mmmmm. Thanks again for all the uplifting words you give to us and will look forward to a book on quotes.
Hello Susan! Feeling under the weather today and huge thunderstorms all around…..and then I see I have received a Blog notice…..total change of attitude!!! With all that is going on in our world, your books, blogs, and lovely products bring happiness and a sense of calm and that we will get through it all. Thank you for all you do with us!!
Susan, thank you so much for your encouraging words. Please enter me in your giveaway. Thanks.
I am waiting for Autumn as well !!! And looking forward to your new book this spring !!!
Thank you for the autumn anticipation…..the cool air to breathe in the mornings……we neighbors and friends have been having coffee or wine or dinner (bring your own) in each other’s gardens or decks and knowing how fortunate we are to have that kind of space….we talked about fall….having soup together in someone’s house?is that safe yet? needing to make fire pits so we can still be outside? and together……
the Zoom chat about England was so luvly….was it Snowshill Arms Pub you talked about? My friends and I have been emailing each other “what shall we do in England today” notes….(because our separate trips were cancelled)….we find links to gardens, The National Garden Schemes, concerts at St. Martins in the Field, exhibits at the Tate, pubs….I emailed my friends today a link to the Snowshill Arms Pub and said “oh by the way – meet you here today at 2 pm for a bite”…..they wrote back that they had a glorious time there with friends a few years ago…..so we travel with itchy feet, virtually, and with our memories….thanks dear Susan…..stay well, stay baking, and admiring those hydrangeas, and keep in touch with all of us……
love, Regina, Seattle
Heaven! Just the thought of it! Yes, that was a picture of Snowshill Arms Pub with the graveyard and red phone book in the front yard! What a darling town!!
So happy to open my email and see this wonderful email. Brightened this god awful hot, humid day! Love summer, the beach, my flowers, the garden and native corn and tomatoes, but humidity, no thank you. Love the vote post card and please, please, all the girlfriends for the love of god get out and vote. It is important always, but especially this year. We need to honor what happened 100 years ago to give us what we tend to take for granted. It’s been a crazy year and I have so looked forward anytime my email says Susan Branch. Thank you for all you write. So glad we get to see Jack everytime. Take care and stay safe!
Thank YOU so much for continuing to spread hope & joy ! Aaaand Autumn 🍂🧡!!! 🤗
Sending wishes for Hope🧡Love & Joy right back at ya !😘🧡🍂🌻
Thank you, sweet Susan, for another stellar, uplifting post~~always makes my day! I love how you say, “just in cases”~~a favorite line I share with my sisters!
One of my favorite things about your books and calendars are the quotes. How exciting to think of a book with nothing but quotes!
I too love Autumn best and can not wait for the cooler, drier days to arrive! Next week I’ll be taking a week off for my staycation and one of the treats planned is to read your Autumn book and start conjuring our ideas for welcoming Autumn. One of those will be readying my numerous bird feeders in anticipation of feeding my feathered friends come October. I would love to win your “Little Things” mug as I missed out the first time around and already own the bluebird of happiness one. Unfortunately my finances don’t allow for that indulgence at this time so I will hope for fate to lend a hand! Thank you for sharing your time and talents once again in bringing us this lovely blog, your inspirations and a chance to experience your recent webinar. Zoom is actually pretty easy peasy – our church uses it each week for our “coffee hour” time to gather and share our individual news from the past week so if a bunch of senior citizens can figure it out it can’t be too difficult! I think we’ve all has to improve our techy skills in order to stay connected with family and friends. I know I have as it is the only way I can “visit” with my only grandchild who lives in MA and i have not seen since Dec. Here’s to us all having a splendid, healthy, happy Autumn and especially staying safe and mentally strong!
I can’t wait to join your next Zoom meeting. Autumn is my favorite time of year too — it won’t be long. Take care.
Oh my, time does fly! But at the same time, no pun intended, it can also stand still. I am so wanting this Covid period over with.
The fires have been devastating in Calif. and it may likely be that the much needed rain brought the fires through lightning strikes. I want a rainstorm minus the lightning to fall, and put out the fires for good.
Your posts, as always, bring a change to the world of many. It is nice to have them arrive via email.
Take care, stay well and be safe!
I’m always so excited to see your new blog post notification in my email inbox. I know what you mean about time — how can we ever get it all done before we take our last breath? I feel the crunch and I’m ten years younger than you. I try to take it one day at a time and pack each of them with so much fun and love. I suspect you do the same. Thank you for the inspiration and encouragement you give us all!
Susan , thank you for always bringing a smile to my face! I just ordered your Autumn book and cannot wait to get it in! I too cannot wait for fall but here in Texas our fall is nothing like your fall! We still have heat and humidity! Thank you for being a light in a dark world!!
Hey Susan…thank you for your never-ending enthusiasm, a bright spot in our lives!
Oh I so look forward to seeing your letters It warms my heart to be able to walk around the island Spring Summer Fall and Winter it’s so lovely
Thank you Xxx
Thanks for your uplifting blog. I’m new to blog reading and yours was just delightful. I might click onto the Zoom party later to get a little more warmth to my day.
I’m sort of looking forward to autumn. It was always a favorite, but with the pandemic I fear my time spent outdoors with family and friends will grow more limited with each day. So I be looking for your blog to help me bring joy into my family.
Hello!
I am so excited that you will offering your book of quotes! And, I can’t wait to read Enchanted when it’s ready….I’ve read the previous three several times when I need a getaway.
This was a lovely blog post, my heart did a little flip flop when the notice went up.
Love your books and a cup would be lovely.
Dearest Susan,
Your blog cooled me off on this steamy summer day.
Anxiously awaiting fall and all the new creations from your
Workshop!
Hi Susan,
Love getting your blog and seeing all the pics.
Autumn is my favorite time of the year : sweaters, colours, leaves & Halloween !
Can’t wait for the year to be over. Lost my job on the 14th, can’t decide if I should hunt for another or just accept UC and go looking in late winter or early spring. Guess I need another week to decompose to figure things out…..
Susan
=>¿<=
Wonderful post! Thank you so much, here in south Florida we don’t have much of an Autumn so love to read about it. Thank you so much Roslyn
Hi Susan, We all need a shot of your happiness! Thank you for sharing it.It is one thing I don’t mind catching!
I am now inspired to pull out my “Autumn” book! I’m also looking forward to cooler, cozy sweater weather. Your blog posts always touch my heart; they are a reminder to look around me and see beauty in the world. I’m grateful for you and all the cheery news you send!
Susan, autumn 🍂 has always been my favorite season too. Living in Arizona, I don’t get my fill of it. However, every fall we take a trip to an area of our country with beautiful fall colors, sights & smells. I’m afraid this year during the dampendic we will not be traveling. So, I am going to order your Autumn Book to bring those sights & colors into my 100+ degree home!!!
Thank you & enjoy your fall & winter,
Judy Peters
One of my very favourite quilts is made from your Teatime fabric that you designed many years ago. I would love to win your beautiful cups to match! Keep safe!
Love the ‘autumn’ quote – it suits me perfectly as well! So happy to know you really, finally, have a book of quotes to look forward to! Thanks for this cheery note,
Pam
My Autumn will be SO much more “Autumn-y” if I’m sipping my tea from one of your mugs – cups? – and I thank you for the opportunity to maybe win one! A major award, to be sure! 💖
Thank you for this hopeful post, Susan. Like you, I am a lover of Autumn, and can hardly wait this year! I check the weather constantly, waiting for a dip in temper, but the mid-90’s continue. I love your optimism and your nostalgia, and Will think of you when we finally get that perfect season. I think that your book would help with my anticipation also.
Love and hugs from Colorado
Dear Susan, Once again, thanks for all the encouraging words, pictures, sayings, goodies to buy, and reminders to be loving in this crazy time!!
Prayers for you, Joe and Jack
Love hearing from you, your post always makes my day! It’s 90 degrees here in Chicago today so the Autumn Book will not make its appearance for a few more days😉!
Reading through your Post and getting to have a great conversation on the phone with my 86 year old Mama…what a blessed day I have had! 💜🥰💜
I was so excited to get an email stating that my cup was on its way but oh how wonderful to maybe win another!! Also the Home for Christmas is tempting to order but maybe luck will be with me and I will be one of the winners!
Thanks for these posts. They are much appreciated these days. I can’t wait for Enchanted and the quote books!
My niece is an Autumn person but I’m spring. Love your posts. And is love to win a mug!
So fun and encouraging to read your blogs!
Just got out my copy of Autumn the other day to get a dose of cool weather! We are suffering too here in the Midwest but cool weather is coming next week. Praying for all those suffering in other ways and trusting God for the outcome.❤️Sherry
Two days ago I pulled out your Autumn book because I needed some hope that this hot, dry weather would change soon. And I found so many dishes I want to make as soon as it gets cooler. The leaves on some of our trees are falling but it’s probably more due to stress with no rain than the seasons changing. It has been really hot here in north Texas. But I am so ready for fall!!!
The Zoom party was perfect as is this post. Thanks for both, Susan.
There IS something about this time in August…we’re just ready for a change of pace!
We go breakneck into and through summer, squeezing out every little bit. Now it’s about slowing down and noticing the leaves changing, the flying formations of geese, and the little squirrels and chipmunks (and us!) preparing for the colder weather. Time for hunkering in!
I’m with you, just waiting for Autumn! The crisp days just makes me alive and all the good smells and beautiful colors. I chose October to be married for just that reason. As Anne of Green Gables says, “ I’m so glad I live in a world where there are October’s”
Sunflowers and autumn – what could be more perfect?!
I am already looking forward to adding your book of illustrated quotes to my collection. Exciting news!
Hope you’ll post pictures of Joe’s finished tables. They will see lots of use!
I love Autumn, too. Can’t wait for it after the hot Summer we have had in Ohio! Loved your Zoom session and love Beatrix Potter. You have lifted me up in a time of need. Take care and be safe.
Hi Susan,
Thanks for all your hopeful words. Boy do we need those during these crazy, scary times!
I love the VOTE pumpkin and I sincerely hope everyone gets the message!!
Oh, goodie! That’s exactly how I feel with another Zoom opportunity via Titcombs Book Store! Love that place! We shopped there last summer when we were on our trip! Also, love those picnic tables! More would come in handy here! We haven’t been able to have our Turquoise Table during this time. Wonderful giveaways! Give our best to Joe and Jack.
Hugs and love,
Nellie
To you too Nellie! ❤️
I share your anticipation for all things autumn. Here in MO we had some lovely unseasonally cool weather last week but summer is back for a while.
I’m grateful for the internet that connects me to dreamy spots in the universe like your site! It feels cozy, like coming home. Fall is my favorite time of year and I adore your Autumn cookbook! I also love the bluebird mug! I have a trio of bluebirds that visit my bird feeder daily, sometimes landing right outside my kitchen window first, to remind me of their presence, and then I bring out their favorite treats…peanuts! 🥜😊
Oh my goodness! I’m struggling through figuring out a way to teach little elementary students in person, virtually, and asynchronously. I have the first google slide done…. I reeeeeeaaaaaallllllyyyyy needed your little pep talk at this very moment. All I really want to do is give them a huge hug, go outside with our magnifying glasses and relate nature to our lessons, or read/discuss wonderful literature while sitting on our class rug (that had to be removed) while watching ideas pop and sizzle above our heads. What a blessing you are to us all!!!
How difficult this must be!!! I can’t even imagine. One more reason to call our teachers heroes! From what you wrote, I don’t think you’re going to have a problem Your enthusiasm will make those ideas pop and sizzle wherever you are! Would it be possible to incorporate a once-a-month, or week, nature walk? Also, I wish every school should teach meditation. I don’t know what you’re allowed to do, but a 15 minute deep breath, count backwards, and visualize something wonderful, might be great. Remember the people who were children during the Depression, went off to terrible war as teenagers, later got the name The Greatest Generation!💖
Those are TERRIFIC ideas! We could easily take a “moment of calm”😉 and when it is not too hot, even if kids are at home on their computer with us or watching later, I can give them a purposeful reason to notice their surroundings outside.🌿🦎🦋Journaling will allow me a peek into what they understand or what we need to work a little harder on for mastery. The technology piece will work when it wants to and take trips to Tahiti when it chooses. (I’m pretty sure the fairy in my classroom and internet gremlins have control over that anyway.) Oddly, even though we are all in different places, maybe the biggest lesson the world is learning is that we are all in this together! XOXOXO! Thank you sooooo much!! We can do this!
It is hard to believe fall is just around the corner ! My favorite time of year also ! School starts tomorrow here and my 10 year old great-grandson will begin online 6 1/2 hours a day. This 74 year old will have to wade through this and do the best I can helping him. Can’t wait for a vaccine for this scourge that has changed our lives so dramatically ! On a brighter note absolutely love your mugs and would be over the moon to win one ! Fingers crossed !
Don’t forget, we have Google. He asks a question, you Google. The all-powerful Wizard of Oz! xoxoxo
I love my new much I got as a birthday gift!
Christmas tea on Zoom. How exciting. Count me in!
Susan, your writing warms my heart and your artistry offers loving inspiration. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you:)
Susan…..You, my dear, are brilliant. I feel you are a kindred spirit and I am so thankful for all of your wisdom. 🙂 Happy almost fall to you, Joe and Jack.
Thanks for the joy you bring to my life…your blog, your books, the mug that I enjoy with my morning tea, nifty bookmarks…..Thank you
Thank you for all the happiness you impart to us.It is like a good shot that I don’t mind getting.
When I tapped “Post Comment,” I had the message that it was a duplicate comment! Not correct, though technology did act up when I was typing my first comment!
So happy to read your new post, Susan! Just ordered your fall book so I have some snail mail to look forward to. Can’t wait for those autumn winds also!
Thanks for your wonderful posts. They make my day. I’ve been working full-time from home for 24 weeks now. Eight weeks ago, my daughter and son-in-law (who are also working remotely from home), along with my two young grandsons (ages 2 and 9 months) decided to leave the east coast and come quarantine with me and my husband in sunny (and hot) California. Then our downstairs flooded while we were spending a weekend at the beach (broken connection hose). So there are now six of us crowded together while I await bids on flooring, drywall, painting, etc. And…if that wasn’t enough, the dog (yes, they brought their dog, too) found a rattlesnake in our yard (fortunately nobody was hurt but that rattle….yikes!). So…to be able to sit down at my desk and, for a few minutes, be able to think of autumn, quilts and tea, is a blessing indeed! Thank you!
I shouldn’t laugh, but you have waaaaay too much on your hands! You got me with “Yes, they brought their dog too…”🤣 OMGoodness. Blessings on you. If you can do this, you can do anything! Stay safe!💖
Thank you; Susan; for sharing your world and your sensibilities with all of us. It brings me such joy to read and reread your posts.
Thank you Susan sooo very much!! Your enthusiasm is so contagious!! i can’t believed I missed the ZOOM party, I will check the link, you do such a great job keeping us all connected in LOVE!!
A wonderful post, as always, Susan…and I’m so glad you included the Ever-Charming Jack! So many Susan Branch goodies coming up! Will wonders ever cease? I certainly hope not! Stay safe, be well…all three of you! Big hug to you all!
So looking forward to your book of quotes!
Hi Susan,
I have been reading your heart-felt words for some time, and have several of your books, which I SO delighted in! Last month you introduced your newest creation, puzzles! My husband, sister, niece and I are all puzzle freaks so I pre-ordered two, one for hubby and I and one for my sister and niece. My sister’s birthday is October 8th, and I would love to send it to her for that celebration. Will they have been shipped by then? Fingers crossed… Thank you for being there for us!
Best Wishes,
Susan G
So far, they aren’t going to ship until the end of October, not good! I’m hoping that will change to the better, but so far, that’s the date the manufacturer has given us.
Hi Susan
Thank you for your post. In the Midwest we are saving lots of late summer heat. Fall will be a welcome relief. I just pulled my AUTUMN book off the shelf and am anxious to get started to prep for fall! 🍂🍂
Hi Susan! Autumn anticipation, isn’t it wonderful?! Bravo to you for adding all those technical skills to your tool box! And goodie for us! Currently driving to Charleston in our 76 VW bus..so typing this is bump^py.!
We had to run away from the nonstop rain and take a breather from our little town. We are camping, have masks,disinfectant, good food ,books,hand sewing,wine and music.
Now I’ve just been encouraged and cheered up by your post,so its a red letter day all around .
Looking forward to watching the season change🍁🍂…hopefully a lot will change in the months ahead.prayers and good thoughts.
Be well ma dear!
Always a bright day when I have a blog from you. So excited about the quotation book! Have always loved the quotes and to have a whole book of them, wonderful! We need more cheerfulness like you provide. Thank you!
Ordered your Christmas book and a calendar yesterday! Need something to look forward to!
So excited about your virtual tea party!
Thank you for your day brightener…We all needed it!
Susan,
You’ve brought so many smiles to me over the years through your beautiful books, your fun calendars, the snail-mail Willards and now your sweet email letters. I feel as though you are an old friend and I would like to thank you for your determination to to add a bright and cheery note to life!
Autumn is also my favorite time of year, dead leaves and all! Just love the two quotes by Iris Murdoch & Mary Oliver, two of my favorites🌻🍁🍂
Hi Susan——-I am also 73 —born in 1947–a great year!! And a lover of Fall and cool and cold weather..soon i hope.
Just received my Santa cup…all my other Susan Branch mugs welcomed him!!
Back to my quilting—see you next time on my computer.
Linda from Connecticut
So enjoy your kisses of joy! A bright spot in my day! Thank you for your creativity…..
Love the post and you just continue to amaze me with all your boundless energy and enthusiasm, not to mention your creativity! Thank you for sharing it with us and giving us the incentive to create our own ❤️
I’m completely melting here, in the Southwest – August is supposed to be getting cooler, and we’re supposed to have the most rain from our monsoon season, which has turned into “nonsoon” season. I am longing for autumnal weather – cool and crisp, so badly right now. And rain.
Really love this post with all the encouragement and inspiration and quiet reflections and anticipation. You help to put what’s important into proper perspective! Thank you.
Dear Susan,
Thank you for all YOU do to make this a kinder, more beautiful place.
Sincerely,
Susan (in smoky Colorado)
Anticipation – can’t wait for fall and then for Christmas!
I really do need to order the fall book, loving fall as you do. It’s tradition to set out the Christmas books each year. Would you believe this? Somehow my hubby and I both got the virus! Not fun! But thankfully we got through it. Now, living in Mississippi, we brace ourselves for the next storm, Laura! I agree with whoever said that we go ahead and celebrate Christmas and call it a year! I think I’ll start reading the Christmas books early!
I was wishing for a wonderful message from you and there it was on my email
Thank you as always for your beautiful words and encouragement to all of us during these challenging times. You definitely made my day.
Always brightens my day when I see your name pop up in my email.
Wonderful idea on the picnic tables and im anxiously awaiting autumn AND winter
~Susan~
I sure hope you receive my comment, it seems the last several I wrote did not go through!! Bummer !!
I am surprised that your summers are hot hot on Martha Vineyard, !!? I would think it would be cooler surrounded by water !!!? Did you notice less people visiting this year ?I hope to visit again, and this time stay a few days!!
You and yours Take Care , Hugs from Indiana
Paula
Thanks for another wonderful blog!! It brightened my day!!
Looking forward to Autumn also, love the cooler weather. May 2021 be a better year.
So ready for summer to be over! Thanks for another great post!!💜
Susan you are so amazing. Thanks for making my day with your blog.
Love the vote jack-o! Vote we must!🎃 Decency depends on it. Thank you, Sisters from the past!
Please pick me to win either a cup or the book – I would really love to win the book!
Dear Susan,
So nice to hear from you! You always make my day, and make me think about what I can do to have more happy moments.
Long distance Hugs and Kisses,
Lorraine
I can’t wait for autumn also. I dislike summer more and more. It’s too hot to work in the garden, which I need to do, but it will have to wait except for the little bits I do when I let the dogs out. Pull a few weeds and go inside! Boo on that. Plus we’ve had a lot of rain, thank goodness. So on it goes. What a messed up year it’s been but I am blessed that so far we’re ok here! Our daughter Katie came down from VA for a short visit and brought me the best gluten free bread I’ve had to date and so yummy cookies. But the best thing is the time we can spend with her. Things are so iffy now so it’s great to spend what time we can together. Also I can’t wait for the Christmas book!!!! Something wonderful to look forward to. Everyone take care of yourselves and stay safe. Virtual hugs to all!!
It always brightens my day when I see your name pop into my email, I know I get to sit down and read some fun.
Thanks Susan for this wonderful escape you provided. I had to run and grab some ice tea today to sit awhile with you. I focused real hard on all the fall and ignored the blaring sun from the window behind me and the 96 degrees. I must say you have the perfect Santa. Hes just like the one from my childhood. We just need that cozy, comfy feeling right now of simpler days and home. Thanks for providing it. Love Love Love!
I always enjoy the homeyness of your blogs, this one being so special because you used the term “Dampanic.” I’m a summer lover, but the way you present Autumn, I can now ease into that season with the hope of the beauty that it brings. Thank you, for the Grand Essentials of Happiness–the quote by Chalmers graces my Writer’s Notebook entry for August 25, 2020. So true!!
I added to it “something to give . . . “💖